NetDespatch delivers better customer service for Derby Express
21 February 2005

Derby Express has rolled-out an innovative NetDespatch web service. The Internet booking and tracking service is live-linked to the APC national overnight parcel network, which is run by Derby Express and other couriers around the country. The system gives companies using APC parcel services a fast and easy way to book and manage their parcel deliveries.

The service has already proved a big success with existing Derby Express customers. Called Velocity, the system was developed by NetDespatch who are producing similar web solutions for transport companies around the world.

In the past, larger shippers have been able to pre-book nightly deliveries through a dedicated computer terminal linked to the parcel company. Everyone else has had to hand write consignment notes prior to collection. The new web service allows everyone to simply fill out an easy booking form online that automatically produces a unique bar coded label for each parcel.

“The NetDespatch web booking service is a really important innovation” says Derby Express Managing Director Nick Taylor. “Anyone can simply log onto our website and book in a delivery. It is a lot quicker than hand-writing forms, especially as addresses are saved and auto-entered. It also ensures delivery addresses are more accurate which is very important. When we come to collect the shipment, labels are already produced and work is pre-booked so we can better plan our schedules”.

Derby Express is Derby’s largest multi-service express company offering sameday courier, overnight parcel, international express, and pallet services. Established in 1988, the company runs a fleet of distinctive purple delivery vans and lorries.

NetDespatch Velocity also provides quotes and allows each consignment to be tracked, with confirmation of delivery sent automatically by e-mail. Being an easy to access web service, companies can check on shipments from anywhere and all previous shipment details are available instantly for checking back and producing useful management reports.

“The new NetDespatch service has gone down really well with our existing customers in the local area. Previously we had just 7 clients providing booking electronically but we anticipate that 40 will be web-booking by the summer and we expect a 75% uptake is likely. Rarely is new technology so successful, but the benefits are so significant and it is so easy to use, that this is one innovation that really is going to revolutionise our industry and it is great to see the APC network leading the way.” Says Nick Taylor.